Edward Kanchanawat

Host University: National University of Singapore
Year of Study Abroad: 2010-11

Where did you live? Would you recommend it?

Prince George's Park, a university owned residence. I would definitely recommend it as it is where the majority of exchange students stay and it is much cheaper than trying to find anything private. Basic Type C rooms are cheap (about 700 per semester) however have no air conditioning. Type A rooms are available at double the price, with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

Which department(s) did you study in?

Arts and Social Sciences

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to Sheffield?

Lectures are all 2 hours, as are tutorials and seminars. Required reading lists are larger than at Sheffield, however not all readings are required. Teaching is much less independent as compared to Sheffield. Teaching staff in Singapore will give a lot more aid and advice than teaching staff in Sheffield are allowed to give on assignments. Overall, it is not hugely different to Sheffield and very easy to adapt to.

What did you do for fun at the weekends and during the holidays?

Singapore is a fantastic location to travel around Asia from. There are numerous budget airlines that if booking in advance, can get you return flights all over Asia for relatively cheap fares. Places I and friends have traveled on budget include: Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Singapore itself offers a lot of entertainment, however it is not cheap. Drinking is particularly expensive, expect to be paying around 5-8 for a drink in bars and restaurants. There is an abundance of shopping malls and a lot of fun can be had trying out various dishes from all over the world at numerous hawker centers, food at hawker centers is very cheap and very good.

Did you join any societies or clubs?

I joined a Pool & Snooker club and a Go-Karting club, however neither seemed well organized. In the end I didn't attend any meetings.

Describe the University/City/things to do

The University has a library, however it opens at 9am and closes at 10pm. Only during exam periods is it open 24 hours. Studying during free time is best done either at home, or going to a 24 hour cafe downtown. Things to do in the city are mentioned already, such as shopping and exploring hawker centers. Little India and China Town are also great to explore.

Could you give any travel or immigration tips?

The visa states that medical check-ups are required including an HIV test, chest x-ray and physical check-up. These are expensive in the UK and are not necessary for entry to Singapore. It is better to wait until arrival at NUS where all necessary medical check-ups can be done for much cheaper. I recommend this is done before registration with the university when you will also apply for your student visa. If you do not have all the correct paper work, you will have to book an appointment at the local immigration office at a later date which is a hassle.

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to go or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance?

Singapore is extremely hot and humid, so be prepared for this. It also rains extremely hard a lot and you can be caught out at any time, so be sure to have an umbrella!

Would you say it is cheaper or more expensive to live than Sheffield?

Singapore is an expensive place to live. Food can be bought cheaply at canteens and hawkers which is a bonus and university accommodation makes living affordable. Transport is also cheap and efficient however you will find yourself dependent on it, which means overall a lot will be spent on travel. Nights out are probably the most expensive of costs, with clubs usually charging on average 10 for entry. Drinks are also very expensive. If you want to buy your own food, it can be expensive also. Basic groceries such as milk, cereal, meats etc tend to cost more than in the UK. It seemed that the majority of exchange students shared the view that Singapore is expensive.

Any other information or comments

Singapore is not as strict as people say it is. It is a great place to spend a year abroad, especially if you are into traveling. I also think Singapore and perhaps the universities in Hong Kong that Sheffield offer for exchange are the best for a real cultural experience. It's daunting at first, but it soon becomes a new home.